The esteemed author of the French Paradox, researcher Serge Renaud, PhD, has said, “There is no other drug that is so efficient at preventing heart disease as moderate intake of alcohol.” A corollary to the French Paradox is the “American Paradox.” We have spent billions in this country to match and surpass the French in health success. But we have failed miserably because our focus is on intervention rather than prevention and we have a persistent theme in this country that alcohol consumption of any kind is a dreaded and unwelcome threat to our well being. Our latest health escapade is reducing trans-fat, all the while ignoring the fact that our health is in the glass. We continue to support efforts to isolate the healthy components of wine so that we can achieve the benefits without actually drinking. A group of British scientists wrote in the respected medical journal, Lancet, “If wine is ever found to contain a constituent protective against cardiovascular disease, then we consider it almost a sacrilege that this constituent be isolated. The medicine is already in a highly palatable form.” They got that right.

Using recent research presentations at the 4th International Wine and Heart Health Summit in Napa Valley, California and culling pertinent scientific information on alcoholic beverages and health, I have attempted to simplify and summarize the current knowledge in a layman-friendly format. It is hoped that this critical review can provide further clarity and stimulate the dissemination of this valuable public health message.

9 Responses to “A Review of the Health Benefits of Wine”

This show put me to sleep. Your speaker is informative no doubt on the health issues, but that mono-tone voice combined with listening to scientific data reminded me of college courses that could not end fast enough. I may be in the minority on my opinion, but man it was a snoozer. Your lighter more entertaining shows is what makes your website so enjoyable to listen to. I would have rather had all of you in a round table discussing this, it would have been multiple views and more entertaining…

I understand R.W.’s comments, but due to the very compelling material covered, I found it easier to give up some of the entertainment aspects of a normal episode. Because it was more of a reference material lecture, it would be great if you guys could post a transcript.

With all due respect to Rusty, while I enjoyed the content of the program, I think it might have worked better for me as a discussion, even if it was between one regular host and Rusty. That sort of give and take would have given the presentation some more life and less of a feeling of a paper being read at a conference.

As I said, good information, but I listen while driving during my commute and I need the normal liveliness of the discussions to keep my mind of the frustration of rush hour.

Oh and it did inspire me to pour a glass of wine to my health when I got home!

I found this episode absolutely compelling and informative. But it begs the question in my mind, as a lover of white wine: If I’m drinking a moderate 2 glasses a day of red wine, when do I ever get to drink my beloved whites?

Rusty!!! You have just made a serious convert out of ME!!! I have been enjoying wine for some small time, up till now… but this article! It’s the clincher!

I’m a home wine maker, and to be honest I seldom drink more than two glasses in an evening, but the idea of a 1/2 bottle a day…? I love it! Hehehe!!! I’m going to need to procure some splits so that my wine doesn’t get too old from one day to the next!

I intend to drink wine, every day, in moderate quantities, everyday, for the rest of my life! YUM!

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GrapeRadio is a wine talk show. Show topics cover issues such as the enjoyment of wine, wine news and industry trends - the hallmark of the show is interviews with world class guest (winemakers, vineyards owners, wine retail / wholesale leaders, restaurateurs and sommeliers). The scope of the show is international so expect to hear many guests from around the world.

GrapeRadio has received numerous awards and honors including the 2008 James Beard Award for excellence in Journalism.

GrapeRadio has been the subject of numerous news reports by: The New York Times, Business Week, CNN, The Financial Times of London, and Wired Magazine.